I’ve had a lot of “mentor moments” with past teachers, family members, coaches, and colleagues in my life but I’ve never had that special someone who took me under their wing to show me the way, so to speak. Maybe it doesn’t matter but I do feel some kind of void in the mentor department as a result. And that’s probably why, now that I think about it, that I created the semi-fictional character, Dr. Mac, from my Ask Dr. Mac novel. You see, in the story, Dr. Mac was the mentor I’ve always wanted. He was a sweet old man, 86 years old, smart, funny, and well versed in the management and personal development field. But even more than that, he was the kind of man who was not afraid to show and express his emotions and his love for people; the kind of man who made you feel safe, significant, and cared for when in his presence.
The reason Dr. Mac is a “semi-fictional” character in my book is because there really was a Dr. Mac in my life and he did have all those mentor characteristics. But unfortunately it wasn’t until after I graduated from graduate school (Miami University) that I realized that my favorite professor had been there all along for me…and sadly, I rarely took advantage of his tutelage. I was in my twenties and didn’t know better. I don’t even know if I knew what a mentor was back then.
Dr. Mac was the kind of guy who continued to reach out to his students well after they graduated, and I was no exception. At least once a year I would get a call from him to simply say hi and check in. I always appreciated that simple gesture. In fact, as the years went by, I began to care more and more for this man. And although he never actually mentored me, I found myself wanting to be more and more like him. I remember hanging out with him at one particular class reunion and feeling sad as we said goodbye. It was like I was saying goodbye to the grandfather I never had. Then, as his health began to decline, I made another visit to Ohio just to see him and to let him know that I was going to name my novel after him. He was touched. He also was very emotional on that particular visit. It was as if he knew it was the last time we would see each other. I felt the same way, especially looking back at him as he stood out in the driveway waving to us as we drove off. I still can’t get that image out of my mind.
Dr. Mac died the same day that my book, Ask Dr. Mac, came out. He never saw it.
So why am I telling you this story? Because I don’t want you to miss out on your opportunity to find your own Dr. Mac. He/she is out there. Don’t do what I did and wait for your special mentor to come to you. Seek them out now and begin developing the relationship that I never had.
I have been teaching graduate school (ironically) at the University of Denver for over 12 years and have tried to emulate Dr. Mac with my students. As I think about that now, I can’t help wondering if perhaps Dr. Mac was the mentor I never had and just never knew it…until this minute! Hmm?
What do you think?
-Geese
